Point of View

The story is written in first person with a perspective limited to that of Min's views and thoughts. This is an acceptable limitation in this case because the story is meant to be a self-portrait of a girl's life under Communist rule in China. The limitations are complete in that only Min's viewpoints are presented. For example, when Min is selected to go to the Shanghai Film Studio, Lu's jealousy of both Min and Yan prompt Lu to launch an investigation into the relationship between Min and Yan. Yan tells Min not to worry but Min remains in the dark as to Yan's plan to stop Lu's interference. At one point, Min is so angry at Yan's apparent inaction that she criticizes the woman she worships as a hero and a lover. When Yan takes action, Min is caught almost completely off guard but follows Yan's...